Gemstones

The name “gemstone” is given to certain stones (diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires) considered beautiful, of a certain hardness, and rare. Historical gemstones and/or gemstones of exceptional quality, purity, and rarity can also be described as jewels.

 

Such gemstones often come from crystals found in rock, but can also be found on the surface, in alluvial deposits, in clay and mud, and in the ocean. In their pure form, such minerals are sometimes colourless. It is when traces of other chemical elements get mixed in during their formation that gives them their colour. The name “gemstone” is justified by the fact that the extraction of such stones from the earth is often a process that is as complex as it is expensive, and sometimes even dangerous. The rough stone must be cut and sometimes treated to obtain the finished product; these important steps are crucial and require expertise and/or expensive equipment. Gemstones often need to be hard (usually at least 7.5 on the MOHS scale) so that they can be crafted into beautiful and durable jewellery.

 

The quality of a gemstone is evaluated according to a series of criteria, chiefly carat weight, colour, cut, and clarity (the 4 Cs). Taken together with market supply and demand, these criteria determine the value of a gemstone. High demand can, for example, cause the value of a stone to rise, even if it is a less rare commodity. The value of gemstones also depends on where they come from and where they are sold, as supply and demand vary from country to country.

 

 

The Brithstones